Monthly Archives: January 2018

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

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Hey Dolls! Happy Sunday! While we’ve had a couple of very mild days in the last two weeks (57 degrees today); most days, the weather has been brutal. I will not be fooled by a little warmth on my face. I was thinking about my Champagne Sunday cocktail and am still trending towards cold weather libations. The Winter Champagne Cocktail is perfect for the blustery weather that’s sure to return. Peep the mixology below.

The Ingredients |

  • Your Favorite Champagne
  • Orange Bitters
  • Orange Juice
  • One Orange
  • Fresh Rosemary

The Mixology |Pour champagne into glasses. Add 1 dash of orange bitters, a squeeze of orange juice and garnish with orange peel and rosemary. Serve, stay cozy + enjoy!

Until then, keep with sharing the pretty,

Love, light + hugs, 💋

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Photo + Source: MamaNotes

Pretty Fit … the 2018 Edition

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Hey Dolls! We’ve focused on our new year organization goals, but you know we also need to start getting beach body ready. I love that I can go to the gym or for a run and look super stylish while I’m there, or if I have to run an errand before or after. Peep my selections for trendy new year workout gear.

Lululemom Free to be Wild Bra and Bottoms

I’m loving grey and white these days. My closet, including workout gear, is slowly transitioning to shades of grey. This Lululemon set is so cute for a yoga, Pilates, group class, or individual strength training.

Wunder Under Hi-Rise 1/2 TightLuxtreme 17″

These are super cute, with almost a hint of shimmer! Made with Luxtreme, lulu’s signature fabric for running. It has a much lighter feel than luon and feels nothing like cotton. Instead, it’s smooth-faced and slick to the touch. Luxtreme is highly resistant to friction and will not pill.

Ivy Park Mesh Leggings

Of course Mrs. Carter would be on trend with mesh leggings, which are super haute right now. Designed to keep you cool during your workout, these Ivy Park navy camouflage print are the look of the moment.

Athleta, Old Navy, Forever21, Lululemon, and Champion have similar styles.

Marvel Underwire Sports Bra

Face it, some of us Dolls need a little more coverage and less bounce to the ounce. There are quite a few full coverage sports bras that do the job, while keeping it cute. The Marvel Underwire Sports Bra goes up to a size F, has channeled underwire and works well for Dolls will a smaller rib cage and larger breast. It also coverts to racerback.

GracedbyGrit Boobalicious Bra

I mean honestly, the name itself will make me buy this number. Touted as equal parts sexy and functional, the crop top length guarantees ultimate support.

Carrie Underwood’s CALIA Women’s Inner Power Cross Front Mesh Bra

Brought to us by singer Carrie Underwood, the Calia Women’s Inner Power Cross Front Mesh Bra provides padded cups to flatter your shape and perforation to maximize cooling ventilation. Adjust the hook-and-eye back closure for a perfect, tailored fit. 

Let me just say that a Doll has no shame in liking to look good while she works out and there are some great beauty products out there to help achieve the goal. Peep the beauty deets below.

Sweat Mineral Illuminizer SPF 25 with Twist Brush

What’s wrong with a sporting a pretty glow during Barre class? I say nothing! Sweat’s Mineral Illuminator SPF 25 combines finely milled highlighting powder, skincare, and SPF 25 sunscreen in a convenient tactical-grip twist brush for a natural-looking, radiant finish that helps protect and repair active skin. This will be a staple in my Barre bag.

Tarte Lifted Sweatproof Mascara

There’s nothing worse that raccoon eyes after an intense workout. Lifted volumizes and treats your eyelashes during your workout sans smudging. Even after the toughest workout, your lashes will still look lengthened & flirty for an effortless no-makeup look that lasts from gym to brunch.

Origins Warm Down Warming Lava Scrub to Detox and Smooth

Workout and sore muscles are synonymous. Origins Lava Scrub is a shower-activated exfoliator with Volcanic Ash that warms on contact, helping to ease tension as it smoothes, purifies and restores.

Marc Jacobs Re(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Setting Mist

Ready, set, go, with Marc Jacobs new setting mist! Inspired by Marc’s love of coconut water and a radiant complexion, five forms of coconut water set and hydrate for a dewy glow.

Anastasia Liquid Lipstick and Lipgloss

A Doll likes a little color on her lips when she works out. Sometimes I go for a run with a full on glam red; and other times I head to Barre or hit the treadmill with a little nude. Either way, my go-to is the uber long-lasting liquid lipstick from Anastasia. Full coverage and matte in liquid form, for red I like Sarafine. For a little moisture, I opt for the Lipgloss in Socialite. Nude – my holy grail is Stripped.

Sarafine

Socialite

Stripped

Having the appropriate, yet stylish, accessories are a must for this fit chick life. Peep some of my favs.

Soma Water Bottle

Made from high-quality, shatter-resistant glass, the Soma Water Bottle offers an easy grip protective sleeve. The natural bamboo cap is also leak-proof.

Guided Fitspiration Journal

This fitness gratitude journal helps you keep your healthy lifestyle on track. Set goals, track your progress and stay accountable with this hardcover fitness journal. Stay mindful, grateful and inspired as you work towards your goals.

Run with Me Ear Warmer

If you workout during winter, you’ll definitely need some cold weather gear. My body normally warms fairly quickly, but not my ears. This Lululemon ear warmer, made is Sherpa Reversible Fleece, is cute and practical.

Peep Lululemon, Athleta, and Under Armour for other workout headband choices.

Kate Spade Watson Lang Yoga Bag

How fab is this bag! The Watson Lang Yoga Bag, constructed from a durable nylon, totes a change of clothes, a water bottle, and any crystals, essences or spirit enhancers you may have brought along. Om!

What are you 2018 fitness favs?

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday …

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Hey Dolls! Happy Sunday! The “Bomb Cyclone” has turned the Eastern Seaboard in the frozen tundra. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time it was this cold; and it is unrelenting. It’s 4, yes 4 degrees as I post! The last thing I want to think about is sipping on anything cold. I know that Champagne Sundays are reserved for some type of cocktail with bubbles, but given the weather, we need a little something to warm the spirit. Today, we’ll be sipping on Mulled Wine. Peep the mixology below.

Mulled-Wine-41

Mulled Wine

The Ingredients |

  • 1 large Orange
  • 2 Cardamon Pods
  • 6 Whole Cloves
  • 6 Allspice Berries
  • 6 Whole Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick (plus 4 for garnish – optional)
  • Star Anise for Garnish
  • 1 Bottle (3 cups) Fruity Red Wine
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Brandy

The Mixology | With a fine grater, zest, then juice the orange.

With the flat side of a knife, press firmly on the cardamom pods to bruise them. In a large pot (not aluminum), combine zest, juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, wine, sugar, and brandy. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.

Reduce heat to low; simmer until flavors have melded, about 30 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve; garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise, if desired. Serve immediately, stay warm and enjoy!

If you want to make your home smell good all day, try this simple Mulled Wine Slow Cooker recipe from Delish.com.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Source: Martha Stewart

Pretty Organized … the 2018 Edition

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Hello Dolls! It’s a new year and for most of us this means new beginnings – the opportunity to reassess what worked and what didn’t in all areas of our lives. We decide to stay with the status quo or make the necessary adjustments. Some areas like career, relationships and finances require more of a heavy lift; but there are some things that are less heady we can do to start the year off fresh.

If you are like me, I start by tackling much needed organization projects in my home. First up the guest coat closet, followed by the basement storage closet and finally my wreath design studio. I love organizing, but equally love shopping for organizing and storage items. Here are some of my organization favs that will hopefully inspire you.

IKEA Bumerang Hangers

I love to open my closet and the clothing is neatly organized, spaced and hung by item type and color. My pet peeve is a hodgepodge of hangers. A while ago, I purchased pretty pink velvet hangers, and much to my chagrin, the pink rubbed off on my white blouses! Needless to say I was horrified; so off I went in search of new hangers. Clean and minimal works best me, so I opted for these Bumerang white wooden hangers I found in IKEA.

Poppin Desk Supplies + Accessories

I truly believe that I focus better and work more efficiently when my desk area is clean, clear and neat, with my necessary supplies organized and accessible. Again, I opted for a minimal aesthetic and Poppin desk supplies are my choice to keep my desk area on point. I love white, but they offer a bevy of colors to meet your fancy.

Peep The Pretty Domestic desk below.

The Container Store Grey Drop Front Shoe Boxes

If you are a Doll with a mean shoe game, you know that there never seems to be enough room for shoe storage. Boxes are different sizes, making storage challenging and sometimes disorganized. What’s even more frustrating is having to open numerous shoe boxes to see what’s inside. These sophisticated drop-front shoe boxes will pamper those Louboutins, protect against dust, and keep them easy to access.

You also have the option of purchasing the Luxury Closet Starter Kit, if you are considering a complete reorganization.

The Lexington Cart

A cart is an informal way to store items that you use frequently. I’ve seen the Lexington Cart from Michael’s styled several ways, but particularly love how Homeyohmy styled it in various rooms. I am thinking of purchasing one or two to organize and accommodate my design supplies.

Kitchen Spice Jar + Labels

Ok, I admit that my husband thought I was absolutely crazy when I embarked upon this little project; but I couldn’t stand the disarray that was in the spice cabinet. The solution, Talented Kitchen Magnetic Spice Tins and 113 accompanying labels.

It takes no time to transfer and label your spices into the new tin. You will be uber pleased at the instant organization of you spice cabinet, your ability to locate just what you need for that recipe and not repurchase spices because you were unable to locate them.

The Talented Kitchen 14 Glass Spice Jars and labels are also nice, if you want a different look.

Z Gallerie Bodega Storage Boxes

You know the drill, you come in the house and throw your keys and whatever other sundry you have in your hands onto the end table. Why not consider a decorative storage box. You’ll know where everything is and have a stylish piece, or two, for your table. I love this set from Z Gallerie, which comes in off-white and salmon.

Z Gallerie Storage Benches and Ottomans

I’ve always liked the look of a swanky storage bench or ottoman at the end of, or beside the bed, or in a living area. Great for storing blankets or seasonal linens, it can also serve as a nice statement piece.

For a modern twist, the Z Gallerie Declan Storage Bench with lucite legs in Bella Gray is hot.

The Robinson Storage Ottoman in dark blue, with silver polished nail heads works well as smaller storage accent piece. It’s also available in white, grey and black.

Christmas Storage

Finally Dolls, the annual post holiday struggle involves where to store all of the holiday decor. Peep your local Target for a wide selection of storage options for ornaments, trees, and of course those Pretty Domestic Wreaths you ordered to glam your door this holiday season.

Ornament Bin

Wrapping Paper Storage Bin

24″ Wreath Storage Box

Dolls, I hope this gives you some new year organization inspiration. I know I have some work to do and would love to hear about your organization tips. Leave a comment below and share your go-to ideas.

Until then, Happy New Year! Keep sharing the pretty!

L.

TPD